Challenges to economic sustainability in tourism sector & potential for growth of ecotourism in Pakistan A case study of Gilgit Baltistan

Abstract

This paper highlights two concepts; challenges to economic sustainability and Potential for Ecotourism in tourism sector of Pakistan for which the study area selected is Gilgit and a mixed approach is adopted for the primary and secondary results. First, this paper tries to identify the economic issues faced by the tourism industry and factors involved in destabilizing the sustainability of tourism sector. Second, evaluating the potential of ecotourism and to find a solution for the problems faced by the tourism industry in a way that is also environmentally sustainable. The concept of ecotourism is used as a mechanism for guarding the natural sites alongside improving the sources of revenue for the regional societies. Ecotourism will assist to reduce the adverse effects of tourism on ecology with the growing prospect of improved infrastructure under China Pakistan Economic Corridor. This paper tries to assess the theoretical conception of ecotourism and sustainable development. Moreover, it discovers the prospects for evolving ecotourism in Gilgit. The paper aims to examine the possible benefits of ecotourism for sustainable development in the community of Gilgit.